talkmagic.co.uk

I've been meaning to join my local Magic Society for a while now, but recently a few things I have read have advised against joining up.

I hear that it tends to be more about Magicians trying to out do eachother with technical ability and moves, rather than focussing on presentation and wowing laymen spectators.

Anyone have an opinion on this?

Also is being part of a Society the only way that I would be able to attend Magic conventions?

Have a look at http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic11512. ... ht=society - there are lots of similarly reassuring threads on TM but they might take a bit of Searching for .

cheers 'drake.

So is part of a one the only way that I would be able get into a convention?

In my own experience magic societies have had nothing whatsoever to do with people trying to out do each other.

Societies are a place to meet like like minded individuals who discuss various aspects of magic and also provide excellent advice and guidance on how to do certain things that you may be having difficulty with.

I also find that watching an experienced and / or truly exceptional magician is an inspiration. If you;re serious abot your magic then in my opinion you will progress much faster than if you sit alone and practice on your own.

I can;t recommend joining a magic society enough

dat8962 wrote:In my own experience magic societies have had nothing whatsoever to do with people trying to out do each other.

Societies are a place to meet like like minded individuals who discuss various aspects of magic and also provide excellent advice and guidance on how to do certain things that you may be having difficulty with.

I also find that watching an experienced and / or truly exceptional magician is an inspiration. If you;re serious abot your magic then in my opinion you will progress much faster than if you sit alone and practice on your own.

I can;t recommend joining a magic society enough

Yeah - what he said.

Also - to answer your question, most conventions will let anyone in who pays the ticket price. Lectures at magic societies though are different. Depending on the society, you may not be allowed in if you are not a member of another society.

Si

Thanks very much to you all, they sound really good when you put it like that. And just to be able to discuss Magic with others would be great.

I'll sort out an audition routine and sign up.

Ta.

I'm not sure if it's the same for all magic society's but I wouldn't wait to plan a routine before joining as generally you will find that you have to wait several months anyway before you can audition.

Most Society's have a busy schedule and have to plan their lecture nights months, and sometimes over a year in advance. With other club activities you may find that you only get the chance of an audition night three or perhaps four times each year.

Generally, they're quite happy for you to go along for a couple of meetings and then pay your membership to join as an associate. You will then get your audition date later on which gives you plenty of time to plan ahead.

You may well find that you get the opportunity to sit through an audition night and watch others and this will be a great help to you and your planning.

How I wish I had joined much earlier than I did

I have rarely found people in magic societies having bad words to say about them. It is always good to join one. Yes you sometimes will get people trying to be the best, it will happen in every walk of life. But don't let that put you off.

I think joining a magic society would be a good idea for a beginner or an advanced magician. For a beginner, the other magicians could help you rise the chain of magic, and show you come basic sleights and shuffles, etc. For an advanced magician, it would be good to be around other magicians to pick up a new routine for your next show or swap a trick or two with a fellow advanced magician. If they are very competitive, I don't think that it would be the Magic Society for you. I don't think Magic Societies should be based on competition but just be a place where you can debut your new sleight that you've been working on or a gimmick that you've been practicing with. Anyways good luck on making your decision.

My experience with magic societies has been good. It provides fellowship with other magicians and they can provide a lot in the way of improving your skills. There have been some bad eggs I've run into but they are rare and you'll find those people in any kind of organization. I haven't really seen any as magicians trying to out-do each other as you described. For the most part they are fun and enlightening.

Lash

As we grow older and hopefully wiser, it's nice to be able to put back, some of what you've taken out and magic society's are an ideal place to do this!